Chemistry Department bolsters quality learning to learners

As part of community outreach for Maths and Physics, the Chemistry Department recently hosted Oscar Mpetha High School with the aim of exposing the learners to University facilities while also encouraging them to pursue STEM professions such as the Analytical Chemistry course provided by the Department.

The event was organised by the department’s Dr Ncediwe Ndube-Tsolekile and Madillo Mareka from Duram Paint and was also sponsored by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. To make it a memorable experience for them and show that the learners are valued by the department, the learners also got the opportunity to interact with National Research Foundation -rated researcher, Prof Mangaka Matoetoe, and were offered course selection advice, allowing them to ask whatever questions they had about university applications, career choices and even research within the department. Matoetoe also shared her stories about her childhood and financial constraints on her academic journey.

Three postgraduate students, Anathi Vitshima, Noluvuyo Mngcutsha and Teboho Mosohli advised the learners on main things to do when they begin their varsity life, such as “knowing yourself and balancing your academic and social lives”.

“If you don’t know yourself you will be easily influenced by outside factors…Love what you do, this will minimise distractions,” said Anathi. Noluvuyo talked about development of communication skills and the importance of involvement in extra-mural activities and the available assistance for students at CPUT. Teboho added the importance of financial planning “which can help you to sustain yourself”.

The learners acknowledged the importance and value of the opportunity provided by CPUT especially for learners coming from the townships. “It was the first of its sort for Oscar Mpetha High School, which generated a lot of excitement for us, the school, and the Nyanga community,” Ndube-Tsolekile observed.

As someone who grew up in the township herself, Ndube-Tsolekile told the learners: “Our background does not dictate our future, and we should never let it define our destiny. We can all realise our dreams with hard work, commitment, and perseverance.”

She also provided an overview of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Chemistry Department, including career guidance. The event was a great success. The learners were given a platform to present their expectations for the event which were pre-written by Simnikiwe Ntamehlo, Sinovuyo Matayi and Lindile Silahla. Those expectations were fulfilled during the first session. “The laboratory visit, which featured demonstrations on nanomaterial synthesis and observing their luminous nature, stood out for them. It was watching their excitement when they made their own ice cream in the laboratory that made us happy. Those smiles were just priceless,” Ndube-Tsolekile enthused.

Teacher at Oscar Mpetha High School, Vusiwe Tsetsana acknowledged that they received insightful information from the event as envisaged before coming to CPUT. “We are very honoured and [we are grateful to CPUT.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za